Three county Extension professionals have been identified as Project Coordinators. Project Coordinators, working with their new CYFAR funded program assistants, are providing leadership for the project at the local level. They are responsible for working with local afterschool sites in conducting baseline assessments based on quality of educational enrichment curriculum, quality and frequency of parent involvement, and quality of afterschool staff development.

Local Extension staff will work with State Program Director and Coordinator on plans for implementation of goals, objectives and activities of this project. The Project Director will monitor daily operation of project, conduct and assist in afterschool staff professional development activities, collect and analyze with assistance from the Evaluation Specialist's student performance data.

The Community Directors are responsible for the implementation of the total 4-H program in their respective counties. As 4-H clubs are established in the targeted afterschool settings, they will be integrated into the total 4-H program. Youth involved in 4-H afterschool programs will be eligible and invited to participate in summer camping programs, weekend events, 4-H projects and all other components of the long-term youth development experience. Significant energy will be put into ensuring that youth involved in afterschool 4-H clubs have the opportunity to grow in all of the essential elements for youth development:

1) Belonging - caring relationships;

2) Mastery - constructive learning experiences;

3) Independence - leadership opportunities;

4) Generosity - opportunities to give back to others through service;

The CYFAR Afterschool Steering Committee will consist of representatives from school-based and community-based afterschool programs; higher education; the field of youth development; community leaders, and parents. The steering committee will provide advice and feedback on the project planning, implementation, evaluation, and resource development.